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1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet

This Talbot-Lago T23 wears coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. Until recently, the car has not been seen publicly for decades. It is believed to be one of only two built in its guise (the other being chassis number 93122) and has several unique styling features, including the enclosed radiator and louvered hood. Other unique touches include the pontoon front fenders, stepped chrome waist molding and finned tail panel. It also has a windshield that was designed to fold flat.

It is believed that the original owner of this car was an American named Grant Barney Schley III. It is understood that Schley III traveled to the London Motor Show at Earl's Court in October 1938, where he was captivated by this car on the Talbot stand. Mr. Schley III immediately purchased the black cabriolet.

In 1949, the Talbot passed from Schley to a Mademoiselle Le Gris, who spent her time between Paris and Texas. Two decades later, presumably after a period in the States, the car would pass to Arthur Flores of Austin, Texas. It resided with Mr. Flores for at least four decades before it was acquired by its present owner from his estate.

The original black paint color was found under the later repaint of French Blue, so the car was stripped back and has been refinished in its original scheme. Its front seats have been refurbished, but the rear seats remain original to the car. Beneath the skin, the car remains original and unrestored.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2016

2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $500,000-USD $600,000 
Sale Price :
USD $517,000

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Talbot-Lago T23

(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
1938 Talbot Lago T23 Major Cabriolet
Chassis#: 89907
Sold for USD$144,817
  2022 Artcurial : Retromobile
 
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93408
Sold for USD$250,000
  2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot Lago T23 'Baby' 4.0-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93035
Sold for USD$215,289
  2019 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1938 TALBOT T23 4.0-LITER CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 93123
Sold for USD$517,000
  2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet
Sold for USD$660,000
  2014 Worldwide Auctions - Auburn
 
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93017
Sold for USD$660,000
  2014 The 7th Annual Auburn Auction
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe
Chassis#: 93064
Sold for USD$2,640,000
  2012 RM Auctions - Monterey
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupé
Chassis#: 93064
Sold for USD$2,836,378
  2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Darracq T23 Drop Head Coupe
Chassis#: 93122
Sold for USD$649,000
  2010 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93465
Sold for USD$226,996
  2007 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London
 
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet
Sold for USD$209,000
  2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe
Chassis#: 93064
Sold for USD$2,145,000
  2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 4.0-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93001
Sold for USD$152,784
  2005 Bonhams - Important Sports and Competition Motor Cars & Fine Automobilia
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  

Talbot-Lago T23s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1938 Talbot-Lago T23's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Baby Coach Grand Luxe930562020 Artcurial : Retromobile $140,000$200,000
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet930172017 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, AZ $550,000$750,000
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet934082016 Dragone Auction Greenwich Weekend Auction $750,000$850,000
1938 TALBOT LAGO T 23 MAJOR CABRIOLET 2011 Rétromobile   

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1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle thumbnail image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle thumbnail image  

1938 Talbot-Lago T23

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Talbot-Lago T23 model years

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Vehicle Profiles

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Designer: Figoni
Chassis #: 93408
Engine #: 23544
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93017
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93123
Engine #: 23356
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Faux Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93043
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Drophead Coupe
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93122
Engine #: 23343
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Teardrop Coupe
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93064
Engine #: 23294
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93001
Engine #: 23152
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93041

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.